Alert Center

CR 56V & CR 56L still closed

Crews will be continuing to work tomorrow to open these areas and hopefully access will be restored by the end of the day tomorrow.

Ophir Road Re-Opened

Snowload debris has been removed from Ophir Road from Hwy 145 to the Town after avalanche mitigation work was completed.

Cases Rise as Natural Immunity from Winter Omicron Surge Wanes

(May 27, 2022) – After a record spike in COVID-19 cases throughout the county early in the year, residents have experienced a mild respite from high incidence rates and rapid spread due to immunity from infection and vaccination.

However, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), now that hundreds of county residents are more than 90 days out from their initial infection during the Omicron surge, natural immunity has likely decreased...

Avian Influenza Infection Identified in Montrose County

(May 3, 2022) – Last week, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) identified the first US case and the second worldwide of human infection by avian flu (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, HPAI), also known as H5N1 flu.

This action came after an individual tested positive for influenza A (H5) after working on a farm with infected poultry in Montrose County. Repeat testing resulted in negative indications for influenza.

The adult male under 40 is largely asymptomatic,...

Public Health Launches New COVID Resources

(April 21, 2022) – Beginning April 1, San Miguel County Public Health (SMCPH), aligned with updated guidance from the CDC, discontinued contact tracing of all individual COVID-19 cases, a step to continue phasing out of emergency pandemic response.

Public Health has shifted focus to data collection and monitoring, investigation for high priority cases, and record management and support for outbreaks and clusters.

While Public Health is always available to assist with any questions, concerns or...

Public Health Enters New Phase of COVID Response

(April 1, 2022) – Last month, Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) outlined a roadmap forward with the goal of preparing for the transition from pandemic to endemic response.

This roadmap included scaling back state involvement in routine COVID healthcare responsibilities while increasing monitoring and preparedness efforts.

The state has begun making changes, which are planned in multiple phases, while planning for the next...

Natural Immunity from Omicron Wave Likely to Begin Waning

(March 30, 2022) – The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded eligibility for an additional booster dose for certain individuals who may be at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19.

People 50 years of age and older and immunocompromised people ages 12 and older can now get an additional booster of any of the three approved COVID-19 vaccines four months after their prior booster dose to increase their protection further.

As the...

Public Health Reflects on Two Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic

(March 18, 2022) – Today marks two years since COVID-19 closed the county as the virus spread rapidly throughout the world. The pandemic upended daily routine, closed businesses and schools as cases were detected throughout Colorado.

During the two years since the coronavirus entered the United States, San Miguel County has experienced 2,702 cases amongst residents, 33 hospitalizations and eight COVID-related deaths. Across the country, there have been 79,486,762 confirmed cases of...

State and Federal Health Officials Move toward Routine Disease Management of COVID

(March 2, 2022) – Last week, state health officials presented a “roadmap” to the next chapter of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colorado. This plan integrates COVID into routine disease management, a standard function of public health...

“Public Health will work methodically to analyze our COVID response and our focused, local path forward,” said Public Health Director Grace Franklin. “As we observe trends throughout the country, our team will work quickly with the state to ramp up...

Colorado’s Next Chapter: Our Roadmap to Moving Forward

Yesterday afternoon, Governor Jared Polis and other state health officials declared and supported a move from emergency response to the “next chapter” of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colorado.

Healthy Coloradans who are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations can return to life as normal.

“We’re proud of Colorado. Our response story is one of resilience, innovation, problem solving, and agility,” said Governor Jared Polis in a press...

Public Health Terminates Indoor Mask Requirement Midnight Tuesday, February 8

As the state of COVID-19 in San Miguel County continues to improve, health officials have announced that the public health order requiring masks in public indoor spaces is now set to expire on Tuesday, February 8 at 11:59 pm MST.

The date is set to allow local businesses, schools, and residents time to prepare for the transition and to further allow circumstances to improve.

“The pandemic is not over, but there is enough confidence in the tools we have that we can reduce...

FDA Authorizes Moderna’s COVID Vaccine

(February 1, 2021) – Yesterday, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted full regulatory approval for the second COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 18 years of age and older.

The Moderna vaccine was first approved under an emergency use authorization (EUA) in December 2020 and is the second-most widely used COVID vaccine in the United States. It will now be marketed as Spikevax and, for most individuals, involves a two-dose...

Public Health Extends Mask Requirement in Public Indoor Spaces

(January 20, 2021) – San Miguel County Public Health has extended the county-wide public health order requiring masks in public indoor places. The requirement will be renewed before expiration Monday, January 31 at 11:59 pm MST.

The order is now set to expire on Monday, February 28 at 11:59 pm MST with an option for early termination if decision-making metrics improve. All individuals 2 years of age and older, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask while...

FDA and CDC Expand Booster Eligibility

(January 6, 2021) – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded eligibility for Pfizer boosters on Monday and shortened the timing of Pfizer’s booster doses from six months to five months.

Children ages 12 to 15 are now authorized to receive a booster dose 5 months after their second dose in their initial series. Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention aligned with these recommendations.

Earlier this week, the CDC also...

A Look Back on 2021

(December 31, 2021) – As we look back on the year, one thing is incredibly clear to us – we have come so far in a very short amount of time.

While the pandemic still burdens our tight-knit community and disrupts our day to day, there are a great many accomplishments to celebrate. In particular, San Miguel County has achieved one of the highest vaccination rates in the state with 83% of our...

SMCPH Updates Isolation and Quarantine Period to Align with CDC and CDPHE

(December 28, 2021) – The CDC has shortened the recommended time for isolation for people with COVID from 10 days to 5 days if symptoms have resolved on day 5, followed by 5 days of strict mask use around people.

Last night, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) adopted these guidelines in response to the CDC’s recommendation. San Miguel County Public Health will align with this guidance effective immediately to match new recommendations...

Omicron Identified as Dominant Variant in San Miguel County

(December 24, 2021) – The omicron variant was detected in this week’s wastewater treatment testing and has been confirmed as the dominant variant circulating in the east end of the county.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has confirmed that all wastewater treatment testing programs statewide have detected elevated levels of the omicron variant.

Public Health has recorded 237 active local cases which includes...

Public Health Advisory: COVID-19 Surge in San Miguel County

(December 22, 2021) – San Miguel County Department of Public Health and Environment is issuing a public health advisory in response to a rapid increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases in the county.

The county is reporting over 100 new cases from clinical test results received since Saturday, December 17. Public Health recognizes that this does not capture all current cases as there are several hundred test results currently pending.

Based on...

Risk Assessment and Preventative Measures Reduce Transmission

(December 21, 2021) – The omicron variant is the most common in the United States as it currently accounts for 73 percent of all sequenced COVID-19 cases, surging from around only 3 percent last week.

The omicron strain has more than 50 mutations likely resulting in the very quick spread of the highly transmissible variant. This increase in omicron prevalence was expected after analyzing patterns observed worldwide.

The omicron variant has not yet...

Proactive Preventative Measures Protect from COVID

(December 20, 2021) – In the interest of the health and safety of their performers and audience members, two local productions canceled their events after positive COVID test results were identified among participants.

Both productions had implemented diligent testing and mask requirements for their staff and performers throughout rehearsals and live performances and actively enforced vaccine and testing requirements for attendees to compliment mask use.

“The leaders...

Guidance for Celebrating the Holidays Safely

(December 17, 2021) – The holidays are here and with travel to and from San Miguel County expected to reach peak numbers over the next two weeks, Public Health encourages residents and visitors alike to celebrate safely.

The State of Colorado continues to feel the effects of the most recent COVID-19 wave as hospitals continue to be overwhelmed and the omicron variant begins to spread throughout the country. Emphasizing the importance of boosters, Governor Jared Polis...

CDC Expands Booster Eligibility to Include 16- and 17-year-olds

(December 13, 2021) – Last week, the CDC officially expanded COVID-19 Pfizer booster recommendations for everyone 16 and older to help broaden and strengthen the protection against omicron and other COVID variants.

At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 16 and 17.

Additionally, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) has authorized Pfizer boosters for those 12- to...

Statewide Hospital Strain Continues to Affect Emergency Transfers

(December 9, 2021) – As the holiday season continues, Colorado continues to experience a strain on hospital capacity. While COVID cases have declined since last month's peak, 95 percent of acute care beds and 94 percent of ICU beds are occupied.

The delta variant accounts for nearly 100 percent of cases in Colorado resulting in high rates of transmission leading to new cases and, in turn, ongoing hospitalizations and deaths. Most of these cases are amongst unvaccinated individuals as 84 percent...

Omicron Variant Case Confirmed in Arapahoe County, Colorado

(December 2, 2021) – The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has confirmed its first case of the omicron variant of COVID-19 in the state.

The case was identified in an adult female resident of Arapahoe County who had recently traveled to Southern Africa for tourism. She is experiencing minor symptoms and is isolated and recuperating at home. She had been fully vaccinated and was eligible...

Public Health Extends Mask Requirement in Public Indoor Spaces

(November 30, 2021) – San Miguel County Public Health has extended the county-wide public health policy requiring masks in public indoor places.

The requirement was renewed before expiration tonight Tuesday, November 30 at 11:59 pm MST and is set to expire on Monday, January 31 at 11:59 pm MST with an option for early termination if metrics improve. The requirement will apply to business employees...

Thank You to Our Public Health Heroes

(November 24, 2021) – As we enter a season of gratitude and recognize Public Health Thank You Day this past Monday, I would like to take some time to thank the many public health heroes in our community.

Over the past year and a half, our Public Health team has worked tirelessly to help protect our community from the novel coronavirus. As the most dangerous pandemic in a century continues to be a part of our lives, our appreciation for those on the...

FDA and CDC Expand Booster Eligibility to All 18 and Older

(November 22, 2021) – Last week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorized both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for use of a single booster dose...

... for all individuals 18 years of age and older after completing a primary FDA-authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccination series. The following eligibility applies for all individuals 18 years of age or older across the United States:

• Moderna...

Public Health Guidance for a Healthy Thanksgiving and Holiday Season

(November 18, 2021) – The holidays are here and Public Health reminds residents and visitors to use precautionary measures to protect themselves and loved ones against COVID-19 while gathering.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), one in 49 Coloradans is estimated to be infected with COVID-19 as the state faces a severe wave of infections expected to rival last winter’s peak case rates.

“The holiday...

Colorado Expands Booster Eligibility for All 18 and Older

(November 15, 2021) – Last week, Governor Jared Polis declared Colorado as high risk for exposure to or transmission of COVID-19. Governor Polis signed an executive order expanding eligibility for COVID-19 booster doses.

The following eligibility applies to all Coloradans effective immediately:

- Moderna recipients who are 18 years of age or older and received their second dose at least six months ago.
- Pfizer recipients who are 18 years of age or older and received...

Best Practices for Staying Healthy Throughout the Winter

(November 11, 2021) – The days are getting shorter and colder while the prevalence of respiratory infections including common cold, flu, strep and COVID continues to increase.

San Miguel County Public Health encourages residents and visitors alike to consider how they care for their health, lifestyle, social lives and more to maintain normalcy during times of uncertainty.

“The pandemic has certainly taken a toll on physical,...

San Miguel County Public Health Expands Vaccination Opportunities

(November 4, 2021) – With boosters and pediatric vaccines available, San Miguel County Public Health will expand vaccination opportunities throughout November with the help of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

“November 18 marks the last day to receive a first dose of Pfizer in order to be fully vaccinated by the Christmas holiday,” said Public Health Director Grace Franklin. “We hope to provide our community with ample opportunity to protect themselves leading...

FDA & CDC Authorize Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds

(November 3, 2021) – Last night, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorized use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds.

This official authorization comes after careful analysis and unanimous recommendations by the advisory committees of both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC for use of the Pfizer vaccine for these younger populations.

“Most children are now...

Public Health COVID Testing Guidance

(October 28, 2021)– Testing for COVID-19 is one of the most effective tools for preventing further spread of the virus. San Miguel County Public Health’s contact tracing team continues to work with positive patients to limit the spread of COVID-19...

...by providing information and guidance to people who may have been exposed to the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) modified testing guidance for COVID-19 noting that vaccinated people should be tested 5 to 7 days after their...

Public Health Extends Mask Requirement in Public Indoor Spaces

(October 27, 2021) – San Miguel County Public Health will extend the county-wide public health policy requiring masks in public indoor places. The requirement will be renewed before expiration on Monday, November 1 at 11:59 pm MST.

The public health order is set to expire on Tuesday, November 30 at 11:59 pm MST with an option for early termination if metrics improve. The requirement will apply to business employees and members of the public who visit public indoor places and for all...

FDA, CDC Authorize Boosters for Moderna, J&J Recipients

(October 22, 2021) – The US Food and Drug Administration and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have authorized booster doses for recipients of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines.

Additionally, both entities have authorized those eligible for a booster dose to receive any of the three authorized vaccines as their booster based on preference or availability.

“These new recommendations give small communities, like ours in...

Proclamation of the Board of Commissioners of San Miguel County, Colorado

(October 20, 2021) – San Miguel County, CO --- Whereas, Joel Lee, Elizabeth Regan, Jeff Kocher, Greg Craig, Thomas Preston, and Eileen Barrett have been serving on an advisory group for San Miguel County Public Health since August 2020; and

Whereas, members of this group were instrumental in implementing multiple covid response programs, including the CO2 monitoring program, COVID wastewater data, ventilation consultation, messaging and communications, and data analysis; and

Whereas, their...

Public Health Releases Suggested Guidance for the Halloween Holiday

(October 21, 2021) – Halloween is right around the corner. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued guidance to keep people safe and healthy.

Locally, San Miguel County Public Health’s mask requirement in indoor public spaces is presently in effect through Monday, November 1 at 11:59 pm MST.

The safest opportunities to gather for everybody, regardless of vaccination status, are the best...

Public Health Welcomes New Team Members

(October 14, 2021) – San Miguel County, CO --- San Miguel County Public Health is excited to welcome two new team members including Contact Tracing Supervisor Hannah Max and Community Outreach Specialist Andres Jacinto.

As Contact Tracing Supervisor, Hannah Max will lead the contact tracing team as the pandemic continues. She will oversee efforts to ensure all county residents diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19 receive accurate and helpful direction, access to...

At-Home COVID Testing Protocol

(October 12, 2021) – With the availability of over-the-counter COVID tests growing, many people are opting to test at home for reasons ranging from travel, to convenience, to urgency if they are feeling ill.

Since at-home tests are administered privately, individuals may have questions about protocol related to positive tests or potential false negatives. It is important that Public Health is involved in the process to ensure proper support while containing...

Public Health Flu Shot Clinics Begin

(October 7, 2021) – San Miguel County, CO --- With the arrival of influenza (flu) season, San Miguel County Public Health will begin administering flu vaccines free of charge at weekly clinics throughout the month of October.

Public Health, Medical Centers Update COVID Guidance

(September 30, 2021) – Several weeks ago, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) updated guidance for testing, quarantine and isolation for symptomatic individuals based on vaccination status.

The updates came after findings were released in August by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) showing that people who are fully vaccinated may still get infected with the virus and could transmit it to others.

In response to these updates, San Miguel...

Public Health Extends Mask Requirement in Public Indoor Spaces

(September 29, 2021) – San Miguel County Public Health will extend the county-wide public health policy requiring masks in public indoor places. The requirement will be renewed before expiration tomorrow night, Thursday, September 30 at 11:59 pm MST.

The public health order is set to expire on Monday, November 1 at 11:59 pm MST with an option for early termination if metrics improve. The requirement will apply to business employees and members of the public who visit public indoor places and for all...

Who Is Eligible for Third Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines?

(September 23, 2021) – Yesterday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized booster shots for people over 65 who have received Pfizer-BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine to get a booster shot at least six months after their second dose.

The FDA also authorized booster shots for adult Pfizer-BioNTech recipients who are at risk of serious complications from the disease due to frequent exposure to the coronavirus at their jobs such as frontline healthcare workers. Last month, the FDA...

Close Contacts of Known Positives Increase

(September 18, 2021) – San Miguel County Public Health continues to use contact tracing information to better understand transmission of COVID-19 throughout the county through tactics such as contact tracing.

A close contact is defined as someone exposed to a person who tests positive for COVID-19 during their infectious period Public Health has seen an increase in the number of close contacts amongst both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals over the...

State Releases New Guidance for COVID Prevention in Schools

(September 14, 2021) – On Friday, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) updated COVID-19 guidance for schools.

The recommendations apply to students, teachers, staff, administrators, and school visitors, and extends to school districts with high vaccination rates as well as those with low rates.

This guidance comes as an outbreak has been reported in the...

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Outbreak

(September 9, 2021) – San Miguel County Public Health has identified eight interrelated cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) among six infants and two toddlers in the last week.

Two infants were hospitalized over the weekend and all symptomatic children have been treated and directed to isolate with their families. (September 9, 2021) – San Miguel County, CO --- San Miguel County Public Health has identified eight interrelated...

Curative Data Error for COVID Positives

Public Health has identified a data error for COVID test reporting through Curative. We are working with the State and Curative to get contact information for those who received positive COVID test results between August 23 and today.

If you tested positive and have not yet heard from the Public Health contact tracing team, please email us at publichealth@sanmiguelcountyco.gov for isolation guidance and to help us contain the spread of this virus. Public Health will have member of the...

Mask Requirement in Public Indoor Spaces Protects Education and Economy

(September 2, 2021) – Last night at 11:59 pm MST, a county-wide public health policy requiring masks in public indoor places went into effect.

The requirement applies to business employees and members of the public who visit public indoor places including all individuals 2 years of age and older, regardless of vaccination status.

“What we’re really seeing every day is that this is a crisis of...

Public Health Implements Mask Requirement in Public Indoor Spaces

(September 1, 2021) – San Miguel County Public Health will implement a county-wide public health policy requiring masks in public indoor places. The requirement will go into effect tonight, Wednesday, September 1, at 11:59 pm MST.

The requirement will apply to business employees and members of the public who visit public indoor places and for all individuals 3 years of age and older, regardless of vaccination status.

“Public indoor places” is defined broadly to include any...

San Miguel County Mourns the Loss of Two Residents

(August 31, 2021) – San Miguel County Public Health regretfully confirms two resident deaths related to COVID-19 occurring on August 22 and 23.

A 60-year-old male tested positive for COVID at the time of death and a postmortem examination determined that the virus was the leading cause of death. Additionally, an 83-year-old male had a pre-existing health issue that was determined to be the...

San Miguel County Public Health Continues to Analyze COVID Prevalence

(August 26, 2021) – In May, San Miguel County Public Health lifted the county’s public health order to align with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

This phase of “Align and Observe” came with the stipulation that Public Health would consider adding additional restrictions if the county reached Level Orange metrics.

Over the last week, Public Health has evaluated the current disease burden,...

FDA Approves Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

(August 23, 2021) – San Miguel County, CO --- This morning, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 16 years of age and older.

The Pfizer BioNTech was first approved under an emergency use authorization (EUA) in December 2020. It will now be marketed as Comirnaty and involves for a two-dose series for prevention of COVID-19.

The vaccine also continues to be available under...

Delta Variant Causes Severe Spike in Wastewater Data and Positivity Rate

(August 19, 2021) – San Miguel County Public Health has detected an alarming increase in COVID presence in the community similar to that of January 2021 through recent wastewater sampling.

As the sampling data predicted in July, cases continue to climb week over week as the Delta variant makes up the entirety of the last three samples.

“We knew the risks of the Delta variant before we first detected it in May,” said Public Health Director...

Registration Open for Third COVID-19 Vaccine Dose for Immunocompromised Individuals

(August 16, 2021) – On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved a third dose of COVID-19 vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna for immunocompromised individuals.

. In response to this announcement, San Miguel County Public Health has received confirmation for the vaccine rollout from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and has scheduled four clinics for vaccine booster shots for...

FDA Authorizes Additional Vaccine Dose for Certain Immunocompromised Individuals

(August 14, 2021) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices approved a third dose of COVID-19 vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna for the immunocompromised, effective immediately,...

Testing Remains Low, Is Key to Stopping the Spread of COVID

(August 12, 2021) – San Miguel County, CO --- San Miguel County Public Health has increased testing opportunities as Microgen returns to Lawson Hill’s Intercept Lot on Mondays and Tuesdays beginning Monday, August 16.

The recent resurgence of COVID over the last several weeks has led to an added need for access to testing for those vaccinated and unvaccinated.

“Increased access to free testing will help us stop the current COVID spread in our communities,” said...

COVID Cases Worldwide Surpass 200 Million Confirmed, WHO Moves to Modify Vaccine Distribution

(August 5, 2021) – Yesterday, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide topped 200 million according to Reuters news agency. The World Health Organization (WHO), reports over 35 million cases attributed to the United States alone.

More than 4 million people have died worldwide including over 615 thousand in the United States.

Within the United States, at least 70% of the adult population has received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. Even with this tremendous success, cases...

New CDC guidance as Delta variant cases increase nationwide

(July 29, 2021) – On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance for mask use indoors considering new findings surrounding the highly transmissible COVID Delta variant.

The CDC recommends, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, that vaccinated people wear a mask indoors in public when in an area of substantial or high transmission. According to the CDC, these areas of...

COVID-19 Spreads Rapidly Increasing Call for Precautionary Measures

(July 22, 2021) – Cases of COVID-19 continue to rise throughout the United States with lifted restrictions and declining vaccine uptake.

As the highly transmissible Delta variant makes up 83% of sequenced samples, unvaccinated populations make up 97% of new cases and 99.5% of COVID-related deaths daily according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In the previous...

Colorado Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile

(July 15, 2021) – Last week, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) announced that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes in Weld County in Northern Colorado.

This is the first detection of the summer season in the state which has had cases of West Nile virus every year since 2002. The state detected the virus during routine seasonal testing performed to inform preventative measures.

As of July 5, no human...

Second Domestic Cat in San Miguel County Tests Positive for the Plague

(July 9, 2021) – Yesterday, a second domestic cat tested positive for the plague at a different local veterinarian hospital in San Miguel County. The cat was hospitalized, tested, and treated and is recovering well.

No fleas were found during treatment and those who handled the cat did not experience high risk exposures though will monitor for symptoms for the next week. This week, there was also one possible human plague death that is currently under investigation...

San Miguel County Ranked 6th in Healthiest Communities Rankings 2021

(July 8, 2021) – Last week, the US News and World Report, in collaboration with the Aetna Foundation, released the fourth annual Healthiest Communities rankings. San Miguel County ranked sixth out of nearly 3,000 counties across the United States.

The annual report measures a population’s health and wellness on the county level using 84 metrics. The rankings are scored based on ten categories that contribute to community health on a scale of zero to 100. The categories include population health,...

Masks Remain a Useful Tool in Preventing COVID-19 Transmission

(July 1, 2021) – San Miguel County, CO --- In May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established that fully vaccinated people did not need to wear masks indoors unless state, local or business rules required face coverings.

However, for those at-risk individuals – immunocompromised or unvaccinated – and those partially vaccinated or in high exposure situations, face coverings remain an essential tool in protecting oneself and others from COVID transmission.

“We understand...